Albino animals are amazingly all white. All mammals have a gene that determines the presence of tyrosinase in their cells. The common name geneticists call it is the TYR gene. If an animal is born with a different or damaged TYR gene instead of a normal or whole one, melanin (pigment which determines colour of hair, skin and eyes) cannot be made as it should be. The animal will then be what is known as an albino.
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Can Cats Be Albino
Albinism is a rare condition that is genetic. It causes animals, including cats, to have a lack of pigmentation in their eyes, hair and skin. Typical characteristics of an albino mammal are a white coat and blue or red/pink eyes due to the lack of pigmentation. The easiest way to tell if a cat is an albino is to look closely at their eyes, they will be light blue, pink or red. Due to the recessive nature of the mutant gene that determines albinism, a cat would have to inherit a copy of that gene from each parent for it to be an albino.
Albino cats may be beautiful, but they are prone to certain health issues.
Dr R Dorn & colleagues wrote an article on the increased risk of white cats developing skin cancer, it says: “Compared with non-white cats, white cats had a significantly higher risk (13.4 times greater) of developing cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), but not oral SCC.”
As albino cats are more prone to developing SCC (a type of cancer) it is not recommended that they spend long periods of time basking in the sun. I would recommend investing in a pet camera with a treat dispenser to lure your feline friend away from harmful rays when you are not home.
Unique Features of Albino Cats
A white cat is a cat that has a white coat colour, this can be due to breed or genetic predisposition. This does not necessarily make the cat an albino. Not all albinos are pure white. Albinism occurs in an animal when the making of the pigment melanin is interrupted by an inherited gene. Melanin is the pigment that determines the colour of a mammal’s fur, skin and eyes. Some traits that control melanin are only interrupted and not stopped completely, thus allowing forms of the pigment to appear on the fur or skin.
Caring for an Albino Cat
Albino cats do have specific health issues due to the lack of melanin production that you need to keep in mind, such as:
- Eye problems: due to the light colour of albino cats’ eyes they are prone to nystagmus and photophobia (light sensitivity); regular check-ups with your veterinarian is recommended.
- Skin cancer: cats that have albinism are more prone to developing skin conditions and even skin cancer. Albino cats should preferably be kept inside or in shaded areas when the sun is out and at its strongest.
- Hearing loss and immune disorders.
There are different brands of pet friendly sunscreens available at your local vet that can be put on the areas of your cat that are most likely to develop skin cancer, such as the ears and nose.
If any lesions or scabs are observed on your cat, then it is imperative to take your cat to your vet. Surgery may be recommended to remove cancer or even chemotherapy treatment can be prescribed. As Squamous cell carcinoma is more likely to occur in albino cats it is highly recommended to invest in an emergency fund so that you are able to provide the best treatment for your cat when it is needed.
Dr S Murphy’s research stated that: “Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant tumour arising from squamous epithelium. Squamous epithelium forms most of the skin, lines the oral cavity and oesophagus, and forms the nail beds and foot pads. SCC accounts for 15% of feline skin tumours and the vast majority of feline oral malignant tumours, but primary SCC of cats’ digits is less common.”
The cause of most SCC is direct exposure to ultraviolet light. Cats with white fur or white markings are at higher risk of developing this cancer.
Conclusion
Not all white animals are albinos. The difference is most noticeable in the eyes, melanin affects the development of an animal’s vision. Without the darker colouring of brown, black and yellow pigmenting the iris an albino animals’ eyes will appear light blue or pink. Caring for an albino cat may be more intensive than a standard cat, but well worth it for the companionship.